Rescue hoist cable angle exceedance detection arrangement

ABSTRACT

A cable angle exceedance detection arrangement is provided. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a housing having an aperture extending therethrough defining an axis, the aperture being configured to allow a cable to extend through the housing from a first end of the housing, wherein the cable is aligned with the axis, to a second end of the housing. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a detection member coupled to the housing and configured to be contacted by the cable when a fleet angle defined between the axis and the cable at the second end of the housing exceeds a selected value.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to cable hoists, and moreparticularly to a rescue hoist assembly having a cable angle exceedancedetection arrangement.

BACKGROUND

Hoist and winches are commonly used on aircrafts and ships to haul,pull, raise, and lower heavy loads. The fleet-angle is the angle betweenthe center axis of alignment (i.e., in a hoist, where the cable hangs ifno force other than gravity were acting upon it) and the cable. Anaircraft operator may need to accurately determine if the fleet-angle ofthe cable exceeds a certain value. Maintaining a safe fleet-angle mayprevent excessive load on the hoist and/or aircraft. Upon notificationthat a fleet angle exceeds a certain value, an aircraft operator maymake adjustments to the velocity or position of the aircraft.

SUMMARY

According to various embodiments, a cable angle exceedance detectionarrangement is provided. The cable angle exceedance detectionarrangement may include a housing having an aperture extendingtherethrough defining an axis, the aperture being configured to allow acable to extend through the housing from a first end of the housing,wherein the cable is aligned with the axis, to a second end of thehousing. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include adetection member coupled to the housing and configured to be contactedby the cable when a fleet angle defined between the axis and the cableat the second end of the housing exceeds a selected value. According tovarious embodiments, the detection member may include a conductivematerial. According to various embodiments, the cable angle exceedancedetection arrangement may include a cap positioned downstream of atleast a portion of the detection member. According to variousembodiments, the cable angle exceedance detection arrangement mayinclude an insulator disposed between the detection member and the cap.According to various embodiments, the cable angle exceedance detectionarrangement may include an anti-rotation feature coupled to thedetection member. According to various embodiments, the anti-rotationfeature comprises a first tab and a second tab, wherein the first taband the second tab are coupled to the detection member. According tovarious embodiments, the cable angle exceedance detection arrangementmay include a wiring assembly coupled to the detection member anddisposed between the detection member and a display assembly. Accordingto various embodiments, contact between the cable and the detectionmember may initiate a signal sent from the wiring assembly to thedisplay assembly.

According to various embodiments, a hoist system is described herein.The hoist system may include an airframe mechanically coupled to a hoistassembly. The hoist system may include a cable disposed between thehoist assembly and a hook assembly. The hoist system may include a cableangle exceedance detection arrangement. The cable angle exceedancedetection arrangement may include a housing comprising a first end and asecond end and a payout disposed within the housing and comprising anaperture within an interior surface and disposed a first end and asecond end of the payout. The cable angle exceedance detectionarrangement may also include a detection member coupled to the housing.The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement may also include awiring assembly coupled to and disposed between the detection member anda controller, wherein the controller is coupled with a display assemblyvia a communication assembly. According to various embodiments, thedetection member may include a conductive material. According to variousembodiments, the cable angle exceedance detection arrangement mayinclude a cap positioned downstream of at least a portion of thedetection member. According to various embodiments, the cable angleexceedance detection arrangement may include an insulator disposedbetween the detection member and the cap. According to variousembodiments, the cable angle exceedance detection arrangement mayinclude an anti-rotation feature coupled to the detection member.According to various embodiments, the anti-rotation feature comprises afirst tab and a second tab, wherein the first tab and the second tab arecoupled to the detection member. According to various embodiments, thecable angle exceedance detection arrangement may include a cablepositioned between the first end of the housing and the detectionmember, wherein contact between the cable and the detection memberinitiates a signal sent from the wiring assembly to the displayassembly. According to various embodiments, a first end of the payoutmay have a smaller diameter than a second end of the payout.

According to various embodiments, a method of detecting when a fleetangle of a hoist system exceeds a selected value is described. Invarious embodiments, the method may include aligning a portion of acable carrying a load with an axis of an aperture in a housing. Invarious embodiments, the method may include translating the cable tocreate the fleet angle defined by the cable and the axis. In variousembodiments, the method may include contacting a detection member withthe cable when the fleet angle exceeds a selected value. In variousembodiments, the method may include sending a signal from a wiringassembly to a display assembly in response to the cable contacting thedetection member. In various embodiments, the wiring assembly may becoupled with the detection member. In various embodiments, the methodmay include detecting the signal on the display assembly. In variousembodiments, the method may include displaying an exceedance indicatoron the display assembly in response to the display assembly detectingthe signal.

The foregoing features and elements may be combined in variouscombinations without exclusivity, unless expressly indicated otherwise.These features and elements as well as the operation thereof will becomemore apparent in light of the following description and the accompanyingdrawings. It should be understood, however, the following descriptionand drawings are intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed outand distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. Amore complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may bestbe obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims whenconsidered in connection with the drawing figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a hoist assembly, hook assembly, and cable angleexceedance detection arrangement mechanically coupled, in accordancewith various embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cap and detection member of a cable angleexceedance detection arrangement in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of a cable angle exceedancedetection arrangement in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of a cable angleexceedance detection arrangement in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cable angle exceedance detection arrangement inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a system for signaling contact between a cable and adetection member in accordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates a schematic drawing of a circuit used in a cableangle exceedance detection arrangement in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates a schematic drawing of a circuit used in a cableangle exceedance detection arrangement in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for manufacturing a cableangle exceedance detection assembly in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of a process for manufacturing a cableangle exceedance detection assembly in accordance with variousembodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a method of detecting when a fleetangle of a hoist system exceeds a selected value in accordance withvarious embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way ofillustration. While these various embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thedisclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may berealized and that logical, chemical, and mechanical changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, thedetailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustrationonly and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of themethod or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are notnecessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any referenceto singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more thanone component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also,any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may includepermanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and/or any otherpossible attachment option. Surface shading lines may be used throughoutthe figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote thesame or different materials. In some cases, reference coordinates may bespecific to each figure.

Hoist load sensors and systems of the present disclosure may accuratelymeasure the load imparted into the airframe of an aircraft through ahoist. A strain sensor measures strain or tension in guide element in ahoist. The signal from the strain gauge may then be processed andconverted to determine the fleet angle of the rescue hoist cable.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a hoist system 100 is shown, in accordance withvarious embodiments. Hoist system 100 includes a hoist assembly 104.Hoist assembly 104 may be coupled directly to airframe 102 ormechanically coupled to a boom that is mechanically coupled to airframe102. In various embodiments, hoist assembly 104 may comprise drum 107and cable angle exceedance detection arrangement (hereafter “CAEDA”)110.

Cable 106 may be wound about drum 107 within hoist assembly 104 andreleased or retracted based on rotation of the drum 107. Cable 106 maythus hang at various distances from hoist assembly 104 and airframe 102.A hook assembly 108 may be coupled to cable 106 at the free end of thecable opposite hoist assembly 104. Hook assembly 108 may hang from hoistassembly 104 on cable 106 and carry load 109. In various embodiments,load 109 may be coupled directly to cable 106.

Cable 106 may extend from hoist assembly 104 along axis A. Axis A maycomprise where cable 106 hangs if no force other than gravity wereacting upon it. Cable 106 and hoist assembly 104 may swing and/ortranslate relative to axis A. The angle between the cable 106 and axis Ais referred to as fleet angle B. Fleet angle B may be caused in part bytension on cable 106 caused by load 109. Load 109 may cause cable 106 totranslate relative to axis A causing fleet angle B. Fleet angle B may beincreased or decreased by changing the position of load 109 and/or theposition, speed, or velocity of airframe 102.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 2-4, CAEDA 110 isillustrated. CAEDA may comprise housing 112 and payout 120. Housing 112may comprise aperture 114 disposed at least partially within inner wall116 of housing and spanning from first end 118 to second end 119 ofhousing. Stated another way, aperture 114 may be disposed within housingfrom first end 118 to second end 119. Aperture 114 may define axis A.Cable 106 may be aligned with axis A at first end 118 of housing 112.

Payout 120 may comprise a first end 122 and a second and 124. Payout 120may comprise an aperture 126 disposed within inner surface 128 andspanning from first end 122 to second end 124. Diameter D of aperture126 at first end 122 may be less than diameter D′ of aperture 126 atsecond end 124. Cable 106 may be disposed within aperture 126 betweendrum 107 and hook assembly 108. Cable 106 may travel laterally withinaperture 126 depending on a variety of factors, such as the movement ofairframe 102 or load 109. Cable 106 may contact inner surface 128.

In various embodiments CAEDA 110 may comprise detection member 130.Detection member 130 may be disposed radially outward of at least aportion of second end 124 of payout 120. Detection member 130 may becoupled with insulator 140 along upstream surface 132 and downstreamsurface 134 of detection member 130. Detection member 130 may bedisposed downstream of second end 124 of payout 120 and compriseaperture 136 disposed within surface 138 of detection member 130.Aperture 136 may have a diameter of D′ or may have a diameter greaterthan D′. Detection member 130 may comprise a metal or other conductivematerial.

Detection member 130 may be coupled with insulator 140. Insulator 140may be disposed between detection member 130 and cap 150. As shown inFIG. 4, insulator 140 may be disposed radially outward of detectionmember 130. Insulator 140 may prevent detection member 130 from makingcontact with a metal object other than wiring assembly 180. Withreference to FIG. 2, cap 150 may be coupled with downstream surface 142of insulator 140 at the second end 124 of payout 120. Cap 150 may becoupled to housing 112 to secure the contents of CAEDA 110 in place.Downstream surface 152 of cap 150 may comprise aluminum or othermaterial configured to withstand strikes by load 109 or hook assembly108.

In various embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 4, CAEDA 110 maycomprise anti-rotation feature 145. Anti-rotation feature 145 may becoupled with detection member 130 to prevent detection member 130 fromrotating relative to CAEDA 110. In various embodiments, anti-rotationfeature 145 may be coupled with insulator 140. In various embodiments,anti-rotation feature 145 may be integral with insulator 140. In variousembodiments, anti-rotation feature 145 may comprise first tab 147 andsecond tab 149. First tab 147 and second tab 149 may be coupled withdetection member 130 to prevent detection member 130 from rotatingrelative to CAEDA 110. In various embodiments, CAEDA 110 may comprise aplurality of anti-rotation feature 145, first tab 147 and second tab149. For example, CAEDA 110 may comprise two of anti-rotation feature145, first tab 147 and second tab 149 disposed about CAEDA 110.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, CAEDA110 comprises spring 165 and spring 170. Spring 160 may hold second end124 of payout 120 in position. Spring 170 may assist keeping detectionmember 130 in place.

In various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 5, cable 106 may exitCAEDA 110 along axis A′ and contact at least one of inner surface 128 ordetection member 130. Detection member 130 may be configured to becontacted by cable 106 when fleet angle B at second end 119 of housing112 exceeds a selected value. Detection member 130 may be configured tobe contacted by the cable 106 when load 109 causes tension in the cable106 to generate fleet angle B of a certain value. For example, detectionmember 130 may be positioned so that it is contacted by cable 106 whenfleet angle B exceeds thirty degrees. Upon contact with cable 106, aportion of detection member 130 may translate upstream such that thedistance between the detection member 130 and cap 150 may increasecomprise a distance C. The movement to distance C may decrease frictionand damage to detection member 130 caused by contact with cable 106.

In various embodiments, CAEDA 110 may comprise wiring assembly 180.Wiring assembly 180 may supply a voltage to the detection member 130.Wiring assembly 180 may couple with detection member 130 at contactfeature 185 and transmit a contact signal 184 to controller 200 in theevent that cable 106 makes contact with detection member 130. Forinstance, if hook assembly 108 translates such that angle B exceeds aselected value, for example 30 degrees, cable 106 may make contact withinner surface 128 and/or detection member 130.

As discussed further in FIG. 6-7, when cable 106 contacts detectionmember 130, a signal 184 may be transmitted from wiring assembly 180 tocontroller 200. Controller 200 may comprise various configurations ofcircuitry, for example, circuit 600 and circuit 700. Controller 200 maybe coupled with housing 112. Controller 200 may produce output 250 oroutput 350. Controller 200 may communicate signal output 250 or output350 with display assembly 186 via communication assembly 188. Uponreceiving output 250 or output 350, display assembly 186 may displayexceedance indicator 190. Communication assembly 188 may comprise radiofrequency signals or wiring. In various embodiments, display assembly186 may comprise hardware and/or software configured to display contactsignal 184. Display assembly 186 may be located on airframe 102 orhousing 112.

With reference to FIG. 7A, a schematic drawing of a circuit 600 used ina cable angle detection arrangement 110 is shown in accordance withvarious embodiments. Circuit 600 may be coupled with airframe 102 orhousing 112. When cable 106 makes contact with detection member 130,switch 610 closes, making an electrically complete circuit allowingcurrent to flow through the anode of the optoisolator 620. The circuitpath may be conducted through what is the anode portion of theoptoisolator 620. Current flowing through optoisolator will activate thetransistor within the optoisolator to create a logic level output 250that may be detected. The output 250 may be used to alert hoist logicthat a certain fleet angle was exceeded. Output 250 may be conveyed todisplay assembly 186 via communication assembly 188, which may indicatethat the fleet angle was exceeded. In various embodiments, at least twovoltage sources are used to maintain the hoist logic circuitry asindependent of the detection circuit, and to keep that cable circuitryisolated as much as possible from your logic circuitry. The use ofvoltage source 640 and voltage source 650 provides a high dielectricisolation between the detection circuit and the logic circuitry. Voltagesource 640 may comprise a highly galvanically isolated voltage source,for example, a DC to DC converter, that would provide a low voltagecircuit for the detection. Voltage source 650, may run the logic of thehoist, and use a separate DC to DC convertor. Resistor 660 and resistor670 are present to limit the amount of current that can be pulledthrough the optoisolator 620.

With reference to FIG. 7B, a schematic drawing of a circuit 700 used ina cable angle detection arrangement is shown in accordance with variousembodiments. Circuit 700 may be located within airframe 102. Similar toin FIG. 6, if cable 106 makes contact with detection member 130, anelectrically complete circuit allowing current to flow from voltagesource 710 through the anode of the optocoupler 720. Current flowingthrough optocoupler 720 will activate the output 350 that may bedetected by display assembly 186. Output 350 may be conveyed to displayassembly 186 via communication assembly 188, which may indicate that thefleet angle was exceeded. In various embodiments, protection assembly740 may clamp excess energy caused by lightning strikes or other eventsthat cause electrostatic discharge or electromagnetic interference.Protection assembly 740 comprises a transorb assembly 742 betweenresistors R1-R4. Transorb assembly 742 clamps excess voltage, andresistors R1-R4 may limit the total amount of current that will flow inthe circuit. Protection assembly 740 may allow current to flow throughthe circuit to operate the optocoupler 720. Connector 750 may be presentto allow the connection or disconnection of the system.

With reference to FIGS. 8-9, a method of manufacturing a cable angleexceedance detection assembly 800 is illustrated. In variousembodiments, the method may include coupling an insulator to a housing(step 810). In various embodiments, the method may include mounting adetection member to an insulator (step 820). In various embodiments, themethod may include mounting a cap to the housing (step 830). In variousembodiments, the method may include coupling a wiring assembly to thedetection member and a controller (step 840). In various embodiments,the method may include coupling the controller to a display assembly(step 850). In various embodiments, the method may include disposing acable through the housing structure (step 860).

In various embodiments, a method of manufacturing a cable angleexceedance detection assembly 900 is illustrated. In variousembodiments, the method may include coupling an anti-rotation feature tothe detection member (step 825). In various embodiments, theanti-rotation feature comprises a first tab and a second tab, whereinthe first tab and the second tab are coupled to the contact ring. Invarious embodiments, the anti-rotation feature is formed integral withthe insulator.

With reference to FIG. 10, a method of detecting when a fleet angle of ahoist system exceeds a selected value 950 is illustrated. In variousembodiments, the method may include aligning a portion of a cablecarrying a load with an axis of an aperture in a housing (step 952). Invarious embodiments, the method may include translating the cable tocreate the fleet angle defined by the cable and the axis (step 954). Invarious embodiments, the method may include contacting a detectionmember with the cable when the fleet angle exceeds a selected value(step 956). In various embodiments, the method may include detecting thecontact via the wiring assembly (step 958). In various embodiments, themethod may include sending a signal from a wiring assembly to a displayassembly in response to the wiring assembly detecting the contact (step960). In various embodiments, the method may include displaying anexceedance indicator on the display assembly in response to the displayassembly detecting the signal (step 962).

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, theconnecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein areintended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physicalcouplings between the various elements. It should be noted that manyalternative or additional functional relationships or physicalconnections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits,advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause anybenefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced arenot to be construed as critical, required, or essential features orelements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordinglyto be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in whichreference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one andonly one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.”Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is usedin the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to meanthat A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present inan embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that anycombination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a singleembodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denotedifferent parts but not necessarily to denote the same or differentmaterials.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detaileddescription herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”,“various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described mayinclude a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but everyembodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarilyreferring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with anembodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed. After reading the description, it will be apparent to oneskilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure inalternative embodiments.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recitedusing the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover anon-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only thoseelements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherentto such process, method, article, or apparatus.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable angle exceedance detection arrangementcomprising: a housing having a first aperture extending therethroughdefining an axis, the first aperture being configured to allow a cableto extend through the housing from a first end of the housing, whereinthe cable is aligned with the axis, to a second end of the housing,wherein the cable is configured to move with respect to the housing in afirst direction parallel to the axis from the second end of the housingtowards the first end of the housing in response to being wound about adrum, and the cable is configured to move with respect to the housing ina second direction parallel to the axis from the first end of thehousing towards the second end of the housing in response to beingunwound from the drum; and a detection member coupled to the housing andconfigured to be contacted by the cable when a fleet angle definedbetween the axis and the cable at the second end of the housing exceedsa selected value, and the detection member is located more proximate tothe second end of the housing than the first end of the housing.
 2. Thecable angle exceedance detection arrangement of claim 1, wherein thedetection member comprises a conductive material.
 3. The cable angleexceedance detection arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a cappositioned downstream of at least a portion of the detection member. 4.The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement of claim 3, furthercomprising an insulator disposed between the detection member and thecap.
 5. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement of claim 1,further comprising an anti-rotation feature coupled to the detectionmember.
 6. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement of claim 5,wherein the anti-rotation feature comprises a first tab and a secondtab, wherein the first tab and the second tab are coupled to thedetection member.
 7. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement ofclaim 1, further comprising a wiring assembly coupled to the detectionmember and disposed between the detection member and a display assembly.8. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement of claim 7, whereincontact between the cable and the detection member initiates a signalsent from the wiring assembly to the display assembly.
 9. The cableangle exceedance detection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the detectionmember comprises a second aperture being configured to allow the cableto extend through the detection member.
 10. The cable angle exceedancedetection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the second end of the housingis located between the detection member and the first end of thehousing.
 11. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement of claim1, wherein the detection member is located downstream of the second endof the housing.
 12. The cable angle exceedance detection arrangement ofclaim 1, wherein the detection member is located radially outward of atleast a portion of the second end of the housing.
 13. A method ofdetecting when a fleet angle of a hoist system exceeds a selected valuecomprising: aligning a portion of a cable carrying a load with an axisof an aperture in a housing; moving the cable to create the fleet angledefined by the axis and the cable at a second end of the housing; andcontacting a detection member with the cable when the fleet angleexceeds a selected value, wherein the second end of the housing isdisposed between the load and a first end of the housing, the first endof the housing disposed opposite the housing from the second end of thehousing, and the detection member is located more proximate to thesecond end of the housing than the first end of the housing.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further comprising sending a signal from a wiringassembly to a display assembly in response to the cable contacting thedetection member.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingdisplaying an exceedance indicator on the display assembly in responseto the display assembly detecting the signal.
 16. The method of claim13, wherein the detection member comprises a second aperture beingconfigured to allow the cable to extend through the detection member.17. The method of claim 13, wherein the detection member is located atleast one of: downstream of the second end of the housing; and radiallyoutward of at least a portion of the second end of the housing.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the second end of the housing is locatedbetween the detection member and the first end of the housing.